With the Bronx Bombers set to play Wednesday afternoon against the Cleveland Guardians, a pair of Yankees injuries have New York fans holding their collected breath.
As shrewd fans were quick to notice, both second baseman Gleyber Torres and super-utility infielder DJ LeMahieu were missing from the starting lineup, while “fan favorites” Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Aaron Hicks set to start.
The Latest Yankees Injuries
Every year, it seems like a promising Yankees team is impacted by frequent trips to the injured list. While the team has lost 60% of their starting pitching and outfielder Harrison Bader already, now it seems like the injury bug is making it’s way through the infield.
With third baseman Josh Donaldson already on the injured list, injuries to Torres and LeMahieu can really negatively impact the team. For Gleyber, the early news appears encouraging. After being lifted at the end of last night’s game, he said earlier today that he was feeling some tightness in his hip flexor and is feeling better.
For the Yankees, getting Gleyber, who is off to a blistering start, will be critical for providing a top or middle of the order bat. In his absence, Anthony Volpe moves up to the leadoff spot while Oswaldo Cabrera moves from the outfield to second base.
Meanwhile, Gleyber isn’t the only Yankees injuries news that has fans concerned. For LeMahieu, missing today’s game will mean two day’s off during the 3 game set in Cleveland. A toe injury sidelined LeMahieu late last season and his injury was very noticeable during the Yankees failed Postseason run.
Like Torres, the early reports on LeMahieu seem somewhat encouraging with manage Aaron Boone confirming that the star infielder is battling some quad soreness and is just considered day-to-day for the time being.
Injuries or Overly Cautions
One of the big talking points that dominates most Yankees seasons, is if the team is being too cautious. The newest Yankees injuries could point to the team resting players to avoid risking further injury, but with Tampa Bay’s blistering start, the team can’t afford to fall too far behind in the standings. Despite winning every series to open the year, the Yankees find themselves 4 games back of the undefeated Rays.
With the Yankees injuries already severely impacting New York’s starting rotation, having a lineup consisting of IKF and Aaron Hicks doesn’t exactly strike fear in the eyes of opposing teams. With the struggling Clarke Schmidt on the mound, it is fair to wonder if the Yankees will have enough firepower to pull out their fourth consecutive series win to start the season.
Potential Reinforcements?
The one positive piece surrounding the Yankees injuries is that Oswald Peraza returned to the Scranton lineup, after missing some time with his own hamstring injury. Peraza remains a potential call up if either Torres or LeMahieu miss any additional time. Peraza is off to a strong start in Triple-A and might get a call-up sooner rather than later.
The Yankees have also been the fortunate beneficiaries of a surprisingly strong start from reserve outfielder Franchy Cordero, who is already up to 3 home runs on the early season. With Cordero able to hold down an outfield spot while Cabrera backs up in the infield, the team can still afford to give Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton half-days off at the DH position.
With the team hopeful surrounding the newest Yankees injuries, the team should be able to squeak-by as they wait for Torres and LeMahieu to return. With a four-game series expected to start tomorrow in the Bronx versus the Twins, the Yankees hope to return at least one of their infielders to the starting lineup.
